Robbie Fulks is one of the funniest singer-songwriters in America, or one of the most sobering, depending on which mindset you find him or yourself in. His sensitivity, wryness and all-around musical dexterity are again on superlative view in a mostly contemplative and occasionally rowdy new album, “Now Then.” It’s Fulks’ second album for the Compass label and his 14th or 15th or 17th overall (depending on how you count side projects or USB-drive-only releases). He’s one of America’s great song craftsmen, again at the peak of his form.

Variety caught up with Fulks as he was on the verge of leaving for a couple of dates playing guitar on a Steve Martin/Martin Short tour before going out on his own for the rest of the year. (The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

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